Method and cleaning system for cleaning three-dimensional objects

Abstract

The invention relates to a cleaning system for cleaning at least one three-dimensional object, which is formed by solidifying, in particular in layers or continuously, a material that can be solidified with the effect of radiation, which cleaning system comprises a cleaning chamber for receiving the at least one three-dimensional object to be cleaned, wherein the cleaning system comprises at least one cleaning agent container with uncontaminated cleaning agent, wherein the cleaning chamber and the at least one cleaning agent container are fluidically connected to one another, wherein the cleaning system comprises at least one conveying device for conveying uncontaminated cleaning agent out of the at least one cleaning agent container and into the cleaning chamber, and for conveying contaminated cleaning agent out of the cleaning chamber and back into the at least one cleaning agent container. The invention also relates to a method for cleaning at least one three-dimensional object.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a cleaning system for cleaning at least one three-dimensional object.

[0002] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for cleaning at least one three-dimensional object.

[0003] Devices for manufacturing three-dimensional objects by solidifying a material that can be solidified under the influence of radiation are becoming increasingly important. They are particularly well-known as so-called 3D printers, which enable the individual, rapid, and highly precise production of objects. Such devices are used especially in the dental field. Examples of such devices are described, for instance, in DE 10 2013 107 571 A1.

[0004] One problem with manufacturing three-dimensional objects in the described manner is that, after completion—that is, after curing—they are still contaminated with the material being cured when removed from the device, i.e., the 3D printer. This material consists primarily of liquid plastics, especially resins or polymer solutions, which sometimes have to be disposed of as hazardous waste if they are not fully cured.

[0005] It goes without saying that when removing three-dimensional objects from such a 3D printer, contamination of the operator is almost unavoidable. Furthermore, there are no solutions available on the market that allow for the simple cleaning of the three-dimensional objects after their production in order to remove any unsolidified, solidifiable materials.

[0006] WO 2018 / 111548 A1 describes methods and devices for washing stereolithographically produced objects. Methods and devices for producing three-dimensional objects from several solidifiable materials are known from US 2012 / 0195994 A1. DE 10 2012 014 838 A1 discloses a device for producing three-dimensional objects. US 2002 / 0090410 A1 discloses a device for removing powdered material and a system for forming three-dimensional objects. US 2016 / 0279680 A1, US 9878498B2, and WO 2014177823A1 disclose a cleaning device, cleaning methods, and receiving containers for cleaning fluids.

[0007] It is therefore an object of the present invention to improve a method and a cleaning system for cleaning at least one three-dimensional object which is formed by solidification, in particular layer by layer or continuously, of a material that can be solidified under the influence of radiation.

[0008] This problem is solved according to the invention by a cleaning system according to claim 1.

[0009] The cleaning system proposed according to the invention enables, in particular, the simple and automatic cleaning of three-dimensional objects, which, for example, are formed from a liquid solidifiable material using the described 3D printing process. Cleaning agent can be automatically conveyed from a cleaning agent container into the cleaning chamber by means of at least one conveying device. There, the cleaning agent rinses or detaches unsolidified solidifiable material from the three-dimensional object in order to completely or substantially completely remove it. Once the cleaning procedure, hereinafter also referred to as the cleaning cycle, is complete, the cleaning agent can be conveyed back into the cleaning agent container using the conveying device.The cleaning agent container, which initially supplied the uncontaminated cleaning agent, serves to collect the contaminated cleaning agent after a cleaning cycle. The cleaning agent, now used at least once, can then be easily disposed of via the cleaning agent container. This cleaning system enables the cleaning of three-dimensional objects without requiring direct operator contact with the cleaning agent. Furthermore, the cleaning process can be fully automated, specifically the conveying of the cleaning agent from the container into the cleaning chamber and back into the container. Alternatively, the contaminated cleaning agent can also be conveyed into a separate disposal container.This can be particularly advantageous to avoid confusion between containers containing uncontaminated and contaminated cleaning agents. The at least one conveying device can be designed, in particular, as a fluid pump to convey liquid cleaning agents from cleaning agent containers into the cleaning chamber and back again. Uncontaminated cleaning agent in this sense can be, in particular, a cleaning agent that is free from any contamination with non-solidified solidifiable material. Such a cleaning agent has therefore never been used to clean three-dimensional objects of non-solidified solidifiable material. Contaminated cleaning agent in this sense can be, in particular, a cleaning agent that is already contaminated with non-solidified solidifiable material, i.e., already contains such material.However, in a broader sense, uncontaminated cleaning agents can also be cleaning agents whose contamination level is lower than that of contaminated cleaning agents. For example, a slightly contaminated cleaning agent can be used as an "uncontaminated" cleaning agent to perform a cleaning procedure or process in the cleaning chamber. In this case, the contamination level of non-solidified solidifiable material in the cleaning agent increases. After the cleaning procedure, it is "contaminated," meaning it has a higher contamination level of non-solidified solidifiable material than before the cleaning procedure. To limit cleaning agent consumption, a "contaminated" cleaning agent can also be used again as an "uncontaminated" cleaning agent.This is possible, in particular, multiple times, for example, until the level of contamination of non-solidified solidifiable material in the "contaminated" cleaning agent, i.e., after a cleaning process, is so high that it can no longer be used for cleaning or should no longer be used. According to the invention, the cleaning system further comprises a movement device for moving the cleaning agent in the cleaning chamber. The movement device can, in particular, be designed as a circulation device to achieve the most complete possible removal of non-solidified solidifiable material from the three-dimensional object by moving the cleaning agent in the cleaning chamber. It is advantageous that the movement device comprises a stirring device and / or a fluid jet generation device with at least one nozzle for moving the cleaning agent.The movement device is designed according to the invention to generate turbulent flow in the cleaning chamber filled with cleaning agent. Such a movement device makes it possible, in particular, to direct the cleaning agent at a relatively high velocity towards the three-dimensional object to be cleaned, in order to achieve optimal rinsing and removal of the congealed material adhering to the object. The stirring device can be designed, in particular, as a magnetic stirrer. To generate turbulent flow, the stirring device can comprise one or more propeller-like stirring elements. The stirring elements of the stirring device can be driven, in particular, by magnetic coupling through a wall of the cleaning chamber, so that no sealing of any penetrations in the cleaning chamber is required in connection with the stirring device.

[0010] It is advantageous if the cleaning chamber has a base, if a support element for the at least one three-dimensional object to be cleaned is arranged or formed within the cleaning chamber at a distance from the base, and if the support element is fluid-permeable. Such a design of the cleaning chamber with a support element makes it possible, in particular, to reliably rinse the three-dimensional object to be cleaned with the cleaning agent from all sides. Furthermore, the distanced arrangement of the support element from the base of the cleaning chamber allows for the placement of optional components of the cleaning system between the support element and the base, components which are not intended to come into contact with the object to be cleaned. The support element can, in particular, be in the form of a metal mesh or a metal or plastic grid.The support element is preferably made of a material that is not attacked by the cleaning agents used in the cleaning system. For example, the support element can be made of stainless steel.

[0011] The cleaning chamber can be easily connected to the conveying device in a fluid-effective manner if the cleaning chamber has a cleaning agent inlet that is fluidly connected to the at least one conveying device.

[0012] Advantageously, the cleaning agent inlet is located at the bottom of the cleaning chamber. This arrangement offers the particular advantage that when emptying the cleaning chamber, especially when returning contaminated cleaning agent to the cleaning tank, a complete or substantially complete emptying of the chamber is possible. In particular, this avoids dead volumes. Furthermore, the contaminated cleaning agent can flow out through the cleaning agent inlet at the bottom with the aid of gravity.

[0013] To further improve the emptying of the cleaning chamber, it is advantageous if the bottom is funnel-shaped and if the cleaning agent inlet is located or designed at the lowest point or area of ​​the cleaning chamber in the direction of gravity.

[0014] Advantageously, the movement mechanism is arranged or designed between the support element and the floor. In this way, the movement mechanism is protected. In particular, three-dimensional objects to be cleaned cannot come into contact with the movement mechanism or its components.

[0015] To prevent large quantities of volatile cleaning agent from escaping the cleaning chamber, it is advantageous for the chamber to be sealed at the top, relative to gravity, by a removable lid. In particular, the lid can be designed to create a gas-tight or substantially gas-tight seal. This is especially beneficial when using strong-smelling and potentially harmful cleaning agents that should ideally not be inhaled.

[0016] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the cleaning system includes a drying unit. The drying unit allows both the cleaned three-dimensional object and the cleaning chamber to be dried after each cleaning cycle. Drying also has the particular advantage of completely removing volatile cleaning agents, thus reducing odor nuisance at the cleaning system's operating location.

[0017] The cleaning system can be made particularly compact if the drying device is located or integrated into the lid.

[0018] It is advantageous if the drying system includes a circulating fan to convey gas from the cleaning chamber to a dehumidifier and from the dehumidifier back to the cleaning chamber. The circulating fan or recirculating air fan, in particular, enables the complete removal of any evaporated cleaning agent from the cleaning chamber. After drying, the chamber can then be opened by removing the lid, allowing an operator to remove the cleaned and dried object from the cleaning chamber virtually without odor. The dehumidifier removes water and evaporated components of the cleaning agent, so that after the drying process, the cleaning chamber preferably contains only ambient air.

[0019] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the cleaning system includes an exhaust air treatment unit. This unit allows for the removal of harmful or potentially toxic substances that may escape from the cleaning agent from the treatment chamber before the treated exhaust air is released from the cleaning chamber into the environment surrounding the cleaning system.

[0020] Exhaust air from a cleaning system can be easily treated if the exhaust air treatment device includes at least one filter. Preferably, the filter is in the form of an activated carbon filter. With such an activated carbon filter, chemicals like methanol, which emit unpleasant odors, can be bound in a defined manner and disposed of along with the filter.

[0021] A particularly compact design of the cleaning system can be achieved, in particular, by arranging or designing the exhaust air treatment device in the lid.

[0022] In particular, the exhaust air treatment device can be integrated into the drying device or form a part of it.

[0023] According to a further preferred embodiment, the cleaning system may include at least two cleaning agent containers. This makes it possible, in particular, to use one cleaning agent from a first container for a first cleaning cycle and another from a second container for a second cleaning cycle. For example, the cleaning agent is conveyed from the first container into the cleaning chamber, the object is cleaned there, and then the contaminated cleaning agent is conveyed back into the first container. A second cleaning cycle can then be carried out by conveying the cleaning agent from a second container into the cleaning chamber. The cleaning agent contaminated during the second cleaning cycle can then be conveyed back into the second container.In principle, three, four, or more cleaning agent containers can be provided. In particular, the cleaning agent containers can hold different cleaning agents, thus further optimizing the cleaning of three-dimensional objects.

[0024] To prevent contamination and potentially undesirable reactions when different cleaning agents are mixed, it is advantageous to have a separate conveying system for each of the at least two cleaning agent containers. This also simplifies the disposal of cleaning agent containers containing contaminated cleaning agent, as essentially no mixed chemicals need to be disposed of.

[0025] Advantageously, the at least two cleaning agent containers contain different cleaning agents. For example, methanol can be provided in one cleaning agent container and isopropyl alcohol in a second cleaning agent container for cleaning the three-dimensional objects. The different cleaning agents can also be cleaning agents with different levels of contamination. For example, a first cleaning agent container might contain methanol with no or a low level of contamination from unsolidified solidifiable material. A second cleaning agent container might also contain methanol, but with a higher level of contamination.In particular, a first cleaning process can be carried out with the cleaning agent that is more heavily contaminated with unsolidified solidifiable material, and a second cleaning process with the cleaning agent that is less heavily contaminated with unsolidified solidifiable material. Furthermore, different cleaning agents can also be cleaning agents with different concentrations, for example, an aqueous solution with a methanol content of 50% and an aqueous solution with a methanol content of 70%.

[0026] It is advantageous if the cleaning system is designed to perform a first cleaning cycle using the cleaning agent contained in one of the at least two cleaning agent containers, and a second cleaning cycle using the cleaning agent contained in a second of the at least two cleaning agent containers. The cleaning agent from the first cleaning container can be pumped into the cleaning chamber and used for the first cleaning cycle of the at least one three-dimensional object. It can then be pumped back into the first cleaning container. At this point, it will have a higher degree of contamination than before the first cleaning cycle. For the second cleaning cycle, the cleaning agent from the second cleaning agent container can be pumped into the cleaning chamber and used for the second cleaning cycle.It can then be pumped back into the second cleaning container. If the cleaning agents in the first and second cleaning containers had an identical level of contamination of unsolidified solidifiable material before the first and second cleaning cycles, it will normally have a lower level of contamination than the cleaning agent in the first cleaning container after the first cleaning cycle.

[0027] It is advantageous if the cleaning system is designed to perform a third cleaning cycle after the second, using the cleaning agent returned to the first cleaning container after the first cycle, and a fourth cleaning cycle after the third, using the cleaning agent returned to the second cleaning container after the second cycle. This sequence of reusing previously used cleaning agents ensures, in particular, that when previously cleaned objects are cleaned again or when newly manufactured objects are cleaned for the first time, a preliminary cleaning is performed first with the more heavily contaminated cleaning agent from the first container, followed by the fourth cleaning cycle with the less heavily contaminated cleaning agent.This multiple use of cleaning agents can save cleaning product, as the cleaning agent in the second container is less contaminated after the second cleaning cycle than the cleaning agent in the first container after the first. This procedure can be particularly useful before a three-dimensional object undergoes its first cleaning cycle.

[0028] To further improve the handling of the cleaning system, it is advantageous if the cleaning system includes a receiving container for at least one cleaning agent container and if the receiving container has at least one suction nozzle connected to the cleaning chamber for fluid insertion into the cleaning agent container. For example, the cleaning agent containers can be provided in bottle form with screw caps. To fill the cleaning chamber, the suction nozzle simply needs to be inserted into the open cleaning agent container. With appropriate design, the cleaning system can then perform the cleaning process(es) fully automatically. The receiving container can be designed, in particular, to define a substantially enclosed receiving space for the cleaning agent container.This largely prevents the uncontrolled evaporation of cleaning agents at the location where the cleaning system is used. Furthermore, such a containment container ensures the stability of the cleaning agent containers, preventing them from tipping over and causing the cleaning agent to leak out uncontrollably.

[0029] For the defined operation of the cleaning system, it is particularly advantageous if the at least one cleaning agent container includes a storage element for storing at least one parameter characterizing the cleaning agent contained in the at least one cleaning agent container. This at least one parameter can be, in particular, the type of cleaning agent and / or the volume of cleaning agent contained in the cleaning agent container and / or a chemical and / or physical property of the cleaning agent. Further parameters or data include, in particular, the purity of the cleaning agent and any hazard warnings.

[0030] Preferably, the cleaning system includes a readout device for reading the parameters and / or data stored in the memory element. The readout device can, in particular, be a non-contact readout device that allows the memory element to be read without direct contact. For example, the readout device can be designed as an optical or near-field readout device. This allows, in particular, barcodes to be scanned or RFID chips to be read.

[0031] It is advantageous if the readout device is located on or integrated into the receiving container. This makes it possible, in particular, to insert cleaning agent containers into the receiving container and to automatically read out the data or parameters stored in the memory element.

[0032] The cleaning system can be easily configured if the storage element includes a barcode or an RFID chip.

[0033] According to a further preferred embodiment, the cleaning system may include a control and / or regulating device for controlling and / or regulating the cleaning system. In particular, the control and / or regulating device allows components of the cleaning system to be controlled easily and reliably. This enables, in particular, automatic operation of the cleaning system.

[0034] It is advantageous if the control and / or regulating device includes a timer to specify a cleaning time during which the cleaning agent remains in the cleaning chamber after being pumped from at least one cleaning agent container and before being pumped back into at least one cleaning agent container. Such a timer has the particular advantage that the object to be cleaned does not remain in contact with the cleaning agent for too long, which, in the worst case, depending on the cleaning agent, could lead to partial dissolution of the object. The sole purpose of the cleaning system is to remove non-solidified, solidifiable material from the three-dimensional object, but not to alter or damage the three-dimensional object through cleaning.The timer, in conjunction with the control and / or regulating device, allows the cleaning agent to remain in the cleaning chamber automatically for a limited time. Particularly when the type of cleaning agent is known, this information can be transmitted to the control and / or regulating device by an operator or automatically via the readout device described above, in conjunction with a storage element located on the cleaning agent container. This eliminates or at least minimizes errors during the cleaning of three-dimensional objects.

[0035] It is advantageous if the control and / or regulating device is designed to automatically specify the cleaning time depending on the type of material from which the at least one three-dimensional object to be cleaned is made, and / or depending on the cleaning agent. As described, this avoids undesirable interactions between the cleaning agent and the object being cleaned.

[0036] It is advantageous if the cleaning system includes an input device for specifying the type of solidifiable material from which the at least one three-dimensional object to be cleaned is formed. In particular, the input device can also be configured for specifying the cleaning agent to be used for cleaning the three-dimensional object. The cleaning system can then, in particular, automatically select and specify a cleaning time as described, taking the entered data into account.

[0037] It is advantageous if the cleaning system includes a display unit for showing operating parameters and / or operating modes. This allows the operator to easily access information about the cleaning process on the display unit. In particular, warnings or malfunctions of the cleaning system can be displayed, for example, if the wrong or an uncertified cleaning agent is being used.

[0038] It is advantageous if the cleaning system is designed to indicate the usage level of the cleaning agent to the user, particularly via a display device. This allows the user to immediately see whether they can continue using the cleaning agent or whether they need to replace it with a new or less contaminated one.

[0039] According to a preferred embodiment, the control and / or regulating device can be effectively coupled to the at least one conveying device and / or the at least one movement device and / or the drying device and / or the exhaust air treatment device and / or the reading device and / or the input device and / or the display device. In particular, when the control and / or regulating device is effectively coupled to all of the aforementioned devices, the cleaning of three-dimensional objects can be carried out fully automatically or essentially fully automatically.

[0040] It is advantageous if the control and / or regulating device is designed to deactivate at least one conveying unit depending on a predetermined maximum usage or contamination level of the cleaning agent. This ensures that a user cannot continue to use the cleaning system if the contamination level or usage level exceeds a predetermined limit.

[0041] To prevent the escape of odorous gases, especially volatile cleaning agents, it is advantageous for the cleaning system to be fluid-tight. In particular, it can be gas-tight.

[0042] Furthermore, the problem set out at the beginning is solved according to the invention by a method according to claim 13.

[0043] Cleaning three-dimensional objects in the described manner has the particular advantage that cleaning agent containers, which supply uncontaminated cleaning agents for cleaning the three-dimensional objects, can also receive contaminated cleaning agents, thus enabling easy disposal of the contaminated cleaning agents. Overall, this simplifies the handling of the cleaning process and ensures proper disposal of the cleaning agents. To ensure optimal removal of non-solidified, solidifiable material from the three-dimensional object being cleaned, the invention provides that the cleaning agent conveyed into the cleaning chamber is moved within the cleaning chamber to clean the at least one three-dimensional object.In particular, the cleaning agent is moved in such a way that a turbulent flow of the same is created in the cleaning chamber, whereby any unsolidified, solidifiable material can be optimally rinsed away from the three-dimensional object.

[0044] To ensure particularly good cleaning of the three-dimensional objects, it is advantageous to carry out two or more cleaning cycles.

[0045] To remove non-solidified solidifiable material from three-dimensional objects particularly efficiently, it is advantageous to use a different cleaning agent for each of the two or more cleaning steps. In particular, different cleaning agents can be used that are capable of dissolving different components of the solidifiable material.

[0046] To prevent the mixing of different cleaning agents in particular, it is advantageous to completely empty the cleaning chamber after each cleaning cycle.

[0047] To ensure optimal cleaning of the three-dimensional object, it is advantageous for the cleaning agent introduced into the cleaning chamber to remain there for a certain period of time. This may, in particular, be a minimum dwell time. Furthermore, the cleaning time can also be limited to prevent damage to the three-dimensional object being cleaned.

[0048] It is advantageous if the cleaning time is predetermined depending on the type of material from which the three-dimensional object to be cleaned is formed and / or depending on the cleaning agent. This ensures optimal cleaning while preventing damage to the three-dimensional object. In particular, it allows for a simple way to limit the cleaning time. Ideally, the dwell time of the cleaning agent in the cleaning chamber is chosen so that as much of the unsolidified material as possible can be removed from the three-dimensional object without damaging it.

[0049] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the cleaning chamber, emptied of the cleaning agent, is dried after at least one cleaning cycle. This automatically dries the three-dimensional object placed in the cleaning chamber as well. It is particularly advantageous if such drying is carried out after the final cleaning cycle. The cleaning chamber can then be opened and the cleaned three-dimensional object removed without causing excessive odor nuisance in the vicinity of one of the cleaning systems described above.

[0050] To prevent unpleasant odors in the vicinity, particularly around a cleaning system used for one of the described processes, it is advantageous to filter out any odorous substances released during the drying of the cleaning chamber. This can be achieved, for example, with one or more activated carbon filters.

[0051] Furthermore, the use of one of the cleaning systems described above to carry out one of the procedures described above is proposed.

[0052] The following description of preferred embodiments of the invention, in conjunction with the drawings, serves for further explanation. The drawings show: Figure 1: a schematic representation of a first embodiment of a cleaning system; Figure 2: a schematic representation of a second embodiment of a cleaning system; Figure 3: a schematic representation of a third embodiment of a cleaning system; Figure 4: a schematic representation of a fourth embodiment of a cleaning system; Figure 5: a schematic representation of a fifth embodiment of a cleaning system; Figure 6: a schematic representation of a sequence of a cleaning process; and Figure 7: a schematic representation of a sequence of a further cleaning process.

[0053] A first embodiment of a cleaning system 10 for cleaning one or more three-dimensional objects 12, which are formed by solidification, in particular layer by layer or continuously, of a material that can be solidified under the influence of radiation, is shown schematically in Figure 1 depicted.

[0054] The cleaning system 10 comprises a cleaning chamber 14, which is defined by a trough-shaped container 16. The container 16 is open at the top with respect to the direction of gravity and is optionally closed with a removable lid 18. The direction of gravity is in Figure 1 schematically symbolized by the arrow 22.

[0055] A support element 24 is arranged at a distance from the ground 20, essentially parallel to the ground 20 and extending transversely to the direction of gravity. The support element is designed to be fluid-permeable and has a plurality of openings 26.

[0056] The support element 24 is optionally formed from a grid or mesh made of metal or plastic.

[0057] A cleaning agent inlet 28 is arranged or formed at cleaning chamber 14. In the case of the Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, the cleaning agent inlet 28 is arranged or formed on the bottom 20.

[0058] The cleaning chamber 14 can be connected fluidically to a cleaning agent container 30. For this purpose, a connecting line 32 is provided, which fluidly connects the cleaning agent inlet 28 to a pumping device 34 in the form of a liquid pump 36, and the liquid pump 36 to the cleaning agent container 30. A free end of the connecting line 32 is designed as a suction nozzle 38, which extends through an opening 40 in the cleaning agent container 30.

[0059] To clean three-dimensional objects 12, these are placed in the cleaning chamber 14 so that they rest on the support element 24. The suction nozzle 38 of the connecting line 32 is inserted into the cleaning agent container 30, which is filled with uncontaminated cleaning agent.

[0060] The conveying device 34 conveys the contents of the cleaning agent container 30 into the cleaning chamber 14. The objects 12 are arranged as shown schematically in Figure 1 shown, completely surrounded by cleaning agent 42.

[0061] After a cleaning period, also referred to as the residence time of the cleaning agent 42 in the cleaning chamber 14, the cleaning agent 42, now contaminated with unsolidified solidifiable material adhering to the objects 12 after their manufacture, is conveyed out of the cleaning chamber 14 and back into the cleaning agent container 30 by the conveying device 34.

[0062] The cleaning chamber 14 is now empty and can be opened, for example, to dry or dehumidify the objects 12 by lifting the lid 18.

[0063] The suction nozzle 38 is then pulled out of the cleaning agent container 30, which is filled with contaminated cleaning agent, and the cleaning agent container 30 is closed with a closure 44. The contaminated cleaning agent 42 can thus be disposed of easily and safely in the cleaning agent container 30.

[0064] Optionally, the cleaning system 10 includes a motion device 46 for moving the cleaning agent 42 in the cleaning chamber 14. The motion device 46 is optionally designed as a stirring device or in the form of a fluid jet generator with at least one nozzle. In particular, the motion device 46 is designed to generate turbulent flow in the cleaning chamber 14 filled with cleaning agent 42.

[0065] In one embodiment, the motion device 46 is equipped with a propeller 48, which is rotatably arranged about a rotational axis 50 and is set in rotation to move the cleaning agent 42. A drive unit 52 is provided for this purpose, which is magnetically coupled to the propeller 48 forming a motion element 54, thus eliminating the need to penetrate the cleaning chamber 14.

[0066] The movement device 46 is arranged between the floor 20 and the support element 24. This ensures that the objects 12 cannot come into contact with the movement device 46.

[0067] A second embodiment of a cleaning system 10 is shown schematically in Figure 2 Its structure essentially corresponds to the first embodiment of the cleaning system 10. Therefore, identical or functionally comparable components and elements are provided with the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment of the cleaning system 10.

[0068] The second embodiment of the cleaning system 10 comprises a drying device 56, which is arranged or formed in the lid 18. It is connected via a connecting line 58 to an inlet 60 and an outlet 62 on the lid. Gases contained in the cleaning chamber 14 can flow in through the inlet 60 and be removed from the gas stream in the drying device 56. The dried gas stream can then be returned from the drying device 56 through the outlet 62 to the cleaning chamber 14.

[0069] The drying device 56 is preferably operated when, as described above, the contaminated cleaning agent 42 has been pumped back into the cleaning agent container 30. The cleaning chamber 14 is then empty and can be completely or substantially completely dried by means of the drying device 56, whereby the objects 12 are also dried. After this drying process, the lid 18 can be removed from the cleaning chamber 14 to remove the objects 12.

[0070] A third embodiment of a cleaning system 10 is shown schematically in Figure 3 shown. Again, identical components and elements are present in the one in Figure 3 The illustrated embodiment is designated with the same reference numerals as the embodiments described in the Figure 1 and 2 are shown.

[0071] In the third embodiment, the drying device 56 comprises a circulating blower 64 arranged in the lid 18 in order to guide the gas contained in the cleaning chamber 14, which has been emptied of the cleaning agent 42, through the inlet 60 and the outlet 62 with a sufficiently large volume flow to achieve fast and efficient drying.

[0072] The drying device 56 also includes a dehumidification device 66 for removing evaporated cleaning agent 42 from the exhaust air stream conveyed through the connecting line 58.

[0073] The cleaning system 10 further comprises an exhaust air treatment device 68 with a filter 70. In one embodiment, this is designed in the form of an activated carbon filter.

[0074] In the third embodiment of the cleaning system 10, the exhaust air treatment device 68 is arranged or formed in the cover 18.

[0075] In one embodiment, the drying device 56 includes the filter 70. In other embodiments, two or more filters 70 may also be provided.

[0076] The cleaning system 10 further comprises a control and / or regulating device 72 for controlling and / or regulating the cleaning system 10. Via control lines 74, 76 and 78, the control and / or regulating device 72 is effectively connected to the conveying device 34, the movement device 46 and the circulation blower 64 in order to control and optionally regulate them as desired.

[0077] The cleaning system 10 further comprises a timer device 80 for specifying a cleaning time. The cleaning time is the time during which the cleaning agent 42 remains in the cleaning chamber 14 after being conveyed from the cleaning container 30, before it is conveyed back into the cleaning container 30 by the conveying device 34. The timer device 80 is connected to or included by the control and / or regulating device 72.

[0078] Optionally, the cleaning system 10 includes an input device 82 for entering the type of solidifiable material from which the at least one three-dimensional object 12 to be cleaned is formed, and / or the type of cleaning agent 42 to be used for cleaning the objects 12.

[0079] In one embodiment, the control and / or regulating device 72 is configured to automatically specify the cleaning time depending on the solidifiable material from which the at least one three-dimensional object 12 to be cleaned is formed, and / or depending on the cleaning agent 42. The data required for this can either be entered via the input device 82 or are stored in a memory 84 of the control and / or regulating device 72 for different types of solidifiable materials and different types of cleaning agents 42.

[0080] For example, to use the cleaning system 10, a user can enter desired parameters via the input device 82, which can then be displayed to him by means of a display device of the cleaning system 10.

[0081] In one embodiment, the input device 82 and the display device 86 can be combined in the form of a touch display.

[0082] The display device 86 is specifically designed to display operating parameters and / or operating modes of the cleaning system 10.

[0083] A fourth embodiment of a cleaning system 10 is shown schematically in Figure 4 depicted. It includes all components of the in Figure 3 schematically represented third embodiment of the cleaning system 10. It differs from the latter, however, in that a second cleaning agent container 31, which is filled with a second uncontaminated cleaning agent 43, is in fluid connection via a connecting line 33 with a second conveying device 35, which in turn is fluidly connected via the connecting line 33 to the cleaning agent inlet 28 of the cleaning chamber 14.

[0084] The connecting lines 32 and 33 are fluidly connected to each other via a T-piece 88 in the area of ​​the cleaning agent inlet 28.

[0085] The control and / or regulation device 72 is connected to the conveying device 35 via a control line 75.

[0086] A free end of the connecting line 33 forms an intake port 39 analogous to the intake port 38.

[0087] The cleaning agent container 31 has an opening 41 through which the suction nozzle 39 can be inserted into the cleaning agent container 31. A closure 45 serves to close the opening 41.

[0088] With the fourth embodiment of the cleaning system 10, the objects 12 can be cleaned in at least two cleaning cycles with the cleaning agents 42 and 43. For example, the initially empty cleaning chamber 14 can be filled with the cleaning agent 42 by means of the conveying device 34. The cleaning agent 42 is moved by the movement device 46 in the manner described. Taking into account the parameters specified for the cleaning agent 42 and the solidifiable material from which the objects 12 are made, the cleaning time is determined by the control and / or regulating device 72.

[0089] At the latest when the cleaning time has elapsed, the conveying device 34 transports the contaminated cleaning agent 42 from the cleaning chamber 14 back into the cleaning agent container 30.

[0090] Following this, uncontaminated cleaning agent 43 can now be pumped from the cleaning agent container 31 into the cleaning chamber 14 by the conveying device 35. In this second cleaning cycle, for which a cleaning time adapted to the cleaning agent 43 is assigned, the cleaning agent 43 is moved in the cleaning chamber by the movement device 46 and, after the cleaning time has elapsed, is pumped from the cleaning chamber 14 back into the cleaning agent container 31 by the conveying device 35.

[0091] After emptying the cleaning chamber 14, it can be dried using the drying unit 56 as described above. Exhaust air treatment can be carried out using the exhaust air treatment unit 68.

[0092] If the degree of contamination of the cleaning agents 42 and 43 with non-solidified solidifiable material is initially the same before the two cleaning cycles, the degree of contamination of the second cleaning agent 43 in the second cleaning agent container 31 is normally lower than the degree of contamination of the first cleaning agent 42 in the first cleaning agent container 30. In the fourth embodiment of the cleaning system 10, this can be used in particular for cleaning further objects 12 that have not yet been cleaned, by first performing a cleaning cycle on these objects with the cleaning agent 42 from the first cleaning agent container 30, which has already been used once, and then performing a second cleaning cycle with the cleaning agent 43 from the second cleaning agent container 31, which has already been used once.This allows resources, especially cleaning agents, to be used sparingly by reusing the cleaning agents multiple times.

[0093] A fifth embodiment of a cleaning system 10 is shown schematically in Figure 5 shown. It comprises all components of the fourth embodiment of the cleaning system 10, which is shown in Figure 4 The fifth embodiment is illustrated by way of example. In addition, the fifth embodiment includes a receiving container 90 for receiving the cleaning agent containers 30 and 31. These are protected within the receiving container 90 and, in particular, secured against tipping over.

[0094] Furthermore, this embodiment of the cleaning system comprises 10 cleaning agent containers 30 and 31, each carrying a storage element 92 or 93 for storing at least one parameter characterizing the cleaning agents 42 and 43 contained in the cleaning containers 30 and 31. These parameters include, for example, the type of cleaning agent 42 or 43 and the volume of the cleaning agents 42 or 43 contained in the cleaning agent containers 30 and 31.

[0095] The cleaning system 10 further comprises a readout device 94. Optionally, two readout devices 94 and 95 can also be provided. The readout devices 94 and 95 are designed to read the parameters or data stored in the memory elements 92 and 93. In the exemplary embodiment of the cleaning system 10, the readout devices 94 and 95 are arranged on or integrated into the receiving container 90. This enables automatic reading of the memory elements 92 and 93 when the cleaning agent containers 30 and 31 are placed in the receiving container 90.

[0096] Two readout devices 94 and 95 are provided, in particular, in embodiments where the storage elements 92 and 93 are designed in the form of barcodes. This ensures reliable reading of the barcodes of both cleaning agent containers 30 and 31.

[0097] A single reading device 94 is sufficient, for example, if the storage elements 92 and 93 are designed in the form of RFID chips.

[0098] The reading devices 94 and 95 are connected to the control and / or regulating device 72 via data lines 96 and 97 in order to transmit the read data from the reading device 94 and / or the reading device 95 to the control and / or regulating device 72.

[0099] Providing cleaning agent containers 30 and 31 equipped with storage elements 92 and 93 enables the type of cleaning agent 42 or 43 to be automatically transmitted to the control and / or regulating device 72. Manual input by an operator using the input device 82 is no longer strictly necessary in this case.

[0100] The receiving container 90 can be designed to be closed and to enclose the cleaning agent containers 30 and 31, in particular gas-tight when these are contained therein, in order to keep odor nuisance in the vicinity of the cleaning system 10 to a minimum.

[0101] The above-described embodiments of cleaning systems 10 can in particular include cleaning chambers 14 with a bottom 20 which is funnel-shaped, wherein the cleaning agent inlet 28 is arranged and formed at the lowest point in the area of ​​the cleaning chamber 14 in the direction of gravity.

[0102] The above-described embodiments of cleaning systems 10 can be used in particular to carry out various types of cleaning processes, i.e., processes for cleaning three-dimensional objects 12, which are formed by solidification, in particular layer by layer or continuously, of a material that can be solidified under the influence of radiation.

[0103] Figure 6 schematically shows the sequence of a cleaning process.

[0104] In step S1, the objects 12 are placed in the cleaning chamber 14. In the next step S2, uncontaminated cleaning agent 42 is pumped from the cleaning agent container 30 into the cleaning chamber 14. In step 3, the cleaning agent 42 is moved within the cleaning chamber 14.

[0105] After a predetermined or predeterminable cleaning time, in step S4 the cleaning agent 42 is pumped from the cleaning chamber 14 back into the cleaning agent container 30. In step S5, the cleaning chamber 14 is dried, and thus also the objects 12 contained within it.

[0106] This completes one cleaning cycle and thus a simple cleaning procedure.

[0107] In step S6, the cleaned and dried objects 12 can then be removed from the cleaning chamber 14.

[0108] Another variant of a cleaning process and its procedure are shown schematically in Figure 7 It can be used in particular in conjunction with cleaning systems 10 according to the specifications related to the Figures 4 and 5 described fourth and fifth embodiments of cleaning systems 10.

[0109] At the in Figure 7The sequence shown corresponds to steps S1 to S6 of the sequence described in Figure 6 depicted process.

[0110] Between steps S4 and S5, the cleaning process is carried out according to Figure 7 a query A.

[0111] If a further cleaning cycle is to be carried out, i.e., if the result of query A is "YES", steps S7 to S9 follow instead of steps S5 and S6. S7 corresponds to step S2, step S8 to step S3, and step S9 to step S4. However, in step S7, the cleaning agent 43 is pumped from the second cleaning agent container 31 into the cleaning chamber 14. In step S9, after the specified cleaning time has elapsed, the cleaning agent 43 is pumped back into the cleaning agent container 31.

[0112] In step S8, the cleaning agent 43, which is conveyed into the cleaning chamber 14, is moved as described above to improve the cleaning result.

[0113] After step S9 is completed, another query A is performed. Alternatively, if only two cleaning cycles are to be carried out, the cleaning process can continue directly with steps S5 and S6 after step S9. This is described in Figure 7 schematically represented by the dashed line.

[0114] In principle, any number of cleaning agent containers can be provided, filled with different cleaning agents. Isopropyl alcohol and methanol are particularly commonly used.

[0115] All of the above-described cleaning systems 10 can also optionally be designed to be fluid-tight, in particular gas-tight, in order to completely or at least largely prevent the escape of gaseous solvents from the cleaning chamber 14.

[0116] The described cleaning systems 10 and the described cleaning methods enable a simple, safe and in particular environmentally friendly cleaning of three-dimensional objects 12 which were formed by solidification of a solidifiable material under the influence of radiation. Reference symbol list

[0117] 10 Cleaning system 12 Object 14 Cleaning chamber 16 Container 18 Lid 20 Bottom 22 Arrow 24 Support element 26 Opening 28 Cleaning agent inlet 30 Cleaning agent container 31 Cleaning agent container 32 Connecting line 34 Conveyor device 35 Conveyor device 36 Liquid pump 38 Suction port 39 Suction port 40 Opening 41 Opening 42 Cleaning agent 43 Cleaning agent 44 Closure 45 Closure 46 Movement device 48 Propeller 50 Rotation axis 52 Drive device 54 Movement element 56 Drying device 58 Connecting line 60 Inlet 62 Outlet 64 Circulating fan 66 Dehumidification device 68 Exhaust air treatment device 70 Filter 72 Control and / or regulating device 74 Control line 75 Control line 76 Control line 78 Control line 80 Time setting device 82 Input device 84 Memory 86 Display device 88 T-piece 90 Receiving container 92 Storage element 93 Storage element 94 Readout device 95 Readout device 96 Data line 97 Data line

Claims

1. Cleaning system (10) for cleaning at least one three-dimensional object (12) which is formed by solidification, in particular layer by layer or continuously, of a material which is solidifiable under the action of radiation, which cleaning system (10) comprises a cleaning chamber (14) for receiving the at least one three-dimensional object (12) to be cleaned, wherein the cleaning system (10) comprises at least one cleaning agent container (30, 31) containing uncontaminated cleaning agent (42, 43), wherein the cleaning chamber (14) and the at least one cleaning agent container (30, 31) are fluidically connected to one another, wherein the cleaning system (10) comprises at least one conveying device (34, 35) for conveying uncontaminated cleaning agent (42, 43) from the at least one cleaning agent container (30) into the cleaning chamber (14) and for conveying contaminated cleaning agent (42, 43) from the cleaning chamber (14) back into the at least one cleaning agent container (30, 31), wherein the cleaning system (10) comprises a movement device (46) for moving the cleaning agent (42, 43) in the cleaning chamber (14), wherein the movement device (46) comprises a stirring device and / or a fluid mechanical fluid jet generation device with at least one nozzle for moving the cleaning agent (42, 43), wherein the stirring device and / or a fluid mechanical fluid jet generation device are configured to generate a turbulent flow in the cleaning chamber (14) filled with cleaning agent (42).

2. Cleaning system in accordance with claim 1, characterised in that the cleaning chamber (14) has a base (20), in that a support element (24) for the at least one three-dimensional object (12) to be cleaned is arranged in the cleaning chamber (14) at a spacing from the base (20), and in that the support element (24) is of fluid-permeable configuration.

3. Cleaning system in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the cleaning chamber (14) has a cleaning agent inlet (28), which is fluidically connected to the at least one conveying device (34, 35), wherein in particular a) the cleaning agent inlet (28) is arranged on the base (20) of the cleaning chamber (14), and / or b) the base (20) is of funnel-shaped configuration, and in that the cleaning agent inlet (28) is arranged or formed at the lowest point or region of the cleaning chamber (14) in the direction of the force of gravity.

4. Cleaning system in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the movement device (46) is arranged or formed between the support element (24) and the base (20).

5. Cleaning system in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the cleaning chamber (14) is closed by a removable cover (18) at the top in relation to the direction of the force of gravity (22).

6. Cleaning system in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the cleaning system (10) comprises a drying device (56), wherein in particular the drying device (56) a) is arranged or formed in the cover (18) and / or b) comprises a recirculation fan (64) for conveying gas from the cleaning chamber (14) to a dehumidification device (66) and from the dehumidification device (66) back into the cleaning chamber (14).

7. Cleaning system in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the cleaning system (10) comprises an exhaust air treatment device (68), wherein in particular a) the exhaust air treatment device (68) comprises at least one filter (70), in particular an activated carbon filter, wherein in particular the drying device (56) comprises the at least one filter (70), and / or b) the exhaust air treatment device (68) is arranged or formed in the cover (18).

8. Cleaning system in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the cleaning system (10) comprises at least two cleaning agent containers (30, 31), wherein in particular a) each of the at least two cleaning agent containers (30, 31) has associated therewith its own conveying device (34, 35) and / or b) the at least two cleaning agent containers (30, 31) contain different cleaning agents (42, 43) and / or c) the cleaning system (10) is configured to perform a first cleaning process with the cleaning agent (42) which is contained in a first of the at least two cleaning agent containers (30) and to perform a second cleaning process with the cleaning agent (43) which is contained in a second of the at least two cleaning agent containers (31), wherein in particular the cleaning system (10) is configured to perform, after the second cleaning process, a third cleaning process with the cleaning agent (42) conveyed back into the first cleaning agent container (30) after the first cleaning process and to perform, after the third cleaning process, a fourth cleaning process with the cleaning agent (43) conveyed back into the second cleaning agent container (31) after the second cleaning process.

9. Cleaning system in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the cleaning system (10) comprises a receiving container (90) for the at least one cleaning agent container (30, 31), and in that the receiving container (90) comprises at least one intake pipe (38, 39), which is fluidically connected to the cleaning chamber (14), for introduction into the at least one cleaning agent container (30, 31).

10. Cleaning system in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the at least one cleaning agent container (30, 31) comprises a memory element (92, 93) for storing at least one parameter characterising the cleaning agent (42, 43) contained in the at least one cleaning agent container (30, 31), in particular the type and / or volume of the cleaning agent and / or a chemical property and / or physical property of the cleaning agent (42, 43), wherein in particular a) the cleaning system (10) comprises a readout device (94, 95) for reading the parameters stored in the memory element (92, 93) from the memory element (92, 93), wherein in particular the readout device (94, 95) is arranged or formed on the receiving container (90), and / or b) the memory element (92, 93) comprises a barcode or an RFID chip.

11. Cleaning system in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the cleaning system (10) a) comprises a control device (72) for controlling the cleaning system (10), wherein in particular the control device - comprises a time setting device (80) for setting a cleaning time during which the cleaning agent (42, 43) remains in the cleaning chamber (14) after having been conveyed from the at least one cleaning agent container (30, 31) and before being conveyed back into the at least one cleaning agent container (30, 31) and / or - is configured to automatically set the cleaning time depending on the solidifiable material from which the at least one three-dimensional object (12) to be cleaned is formed, and / or depending on the cleaning agent (42, 43) and / or - is configured to deactivate the at least one conveying device (34, 35) depending on a predefined maximum degree of utilisation or contamination of the cleaning agent (42, 43), and / or b) comprises an input device (82) for inputting the type of solidifiable material from which the at least one three-dimensional object (12) to be cleaned is formed, and / or c) comprises a display device (86) for displaying operating parameters and / or operating modes of the cleaning system (10), wherein in particular the cleaning system (10) is configured to display a degree of utilisation of the cleaning agent (42, 43) to a user by means of the display device (86), and / or d) is of fluid tight configuration, in particular gas tight configuration.

12. Cleaning system in accordance with claim 11, characterised in that the control device (72) is coupled in a control-operative manner to the at least one conveying device (34, 35) and / or to the at least one movement device (46) and / or to the drying device (56) and / or to the exhaust air treatment device (68) and / or to the readout device (94, 95) and / or to the input device (82) and / or to the display device (86).

13. Method for cleaning at least one three-dimensional object (12) which is formed by solidification, in particular layer by layer or continuously, of a material which is solidifiable under the action of radiation, in which method at least one cleaning operation is performed, in which at least one cleaning operation uncontaminated cleaning agent (42, 43) from at least one cleaning agent container (30, 31) is conveyed into a cleaning chamber (14), in which the at least one three-dimensional object (12) is received, and, following the cleaning of the at least one three-dimensional object (12), is conveyed back again from the cleaning chamber (14), in particular fully or substantially fully, into the at least one cleaning agent container (30, 31), wherein the cleaning agent (42, 43) conveyed into the cleaning chamber (14) is moved in the cleaning chamber (14) to clean the at least one three-dimensional object (12), wherein the cleaning agent (42, 43) is moved by stirring and / or by generating a fluid mechanical fluid jet for generating a turbulent flow in the cleaning chamber (14) filled with cleaning agent (42).

14. Method in accordance with claim 13, characterised in that a) two or more cleaning operations are performed, wherein in particular a different cleaning agent (42, 43) is used in each of the two or more cleaning operations, and / or b) the cleaning chamber (14) is fully emptied after each cleaning operation and / or c) the cleaning agent (42, 43) conveyed into the cleaning chamber (14) remains in the cleaning chamber (14) for a cleaning time, wherein in particular the cleaning time is predefined depending on the solidifiable material from which the at least one three-dimensional object (12) to be cleaned is formed, and / or depending on the cleaning agent (42, 43), and / or d) after the at least one cleaning operation, in particular after the last cleaning operation, the cleaning chamber (14) emptied of the cleaning agent (42, 43) is dried, wherein in particular odours escaping during the drying of the cleaning chamber (14) are filtered out.

15. Use of a cleaning system (10) in accordance with any one of claims 1 to 12 to perform a method in accordance with claim 13 or 14.

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